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California BSIS Guard Card Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

California BSIS Guard Card practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.

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  1. Q1Under California Penal Code Section 837, a private person may arrest another for a public offense committed or attempted in their presence. Which of the following BEST describes this legal authority?

    • AFull police power that allows search and seizure at any time
    • BAuthority to detain anyone suspected of a crime based on a tip
    • CCitizen's arrest power limited to offenses witnessed directly by the arresting person
    • DUnlimited power to arrest anyone on private property
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: C. Citizen's arrest power limited to offenses witnessed directly by the arresting person

    PC 837 grants citizens (including security officers) arrest power only for public offenses committed or attempted in their presence.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  2. Q2A security officer observes a person shoplifting inside a store. Under California law, what is the MOST appropriate initial action?

    • AImmediately tackle the person to prevent escape
    • BDetain the person at the point of exit if the full act was witnessed
    • CCall the police and take no other action regardless of circumstances
    • DFollow the person outside and arrest them on the street
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: B. Detain the person at the point of exit if the full act was witnessed

    The merchant's privilege (PC 490.5) allows detention at the exit after witnessing the complete act of theft, not before.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  3. Q3Which of the following felonies would authorize a private person to make an arrest even if the offense was NOT committed in their presence?

    • AA felony that has in fact been committed and the arresting person has reasonable cause to believe the suspect committed it
    • BAny misdemeanor that the officer strongly suspects occurred
    • CA traffic infraction that resulted in property damage
    • DA civil dispute between neighbors over a fence
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: A. A felony that has in fact been committed and the arresting person has reasonable cause to believe the suspect committed it

    PC 837(3) allows a citizen to arrest for a felony not committed in their presence if: (1) a felony has actually been committed and (2) there is reasonable cause to believe that person committed it.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  4. Q4A security officer makes a citizen's arrest. After restraining the subject, what is the officer's PRIMARY legal obligation?

    • AHold the person indefinitely until management decides what to do
    • BConduct a full search of the person's belongings
    • CQuestion the subject about other crimes
    • DDeliver the arrested person to a police officer or magistrate without unnecessary delay
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: D. Deliver the arrested person to a police officer or magistrate without unnecessary delay

    Once a citizen's arrest is made, the arresting person must promptly deliver the subject to law enforcement; unreasonable delay can expose the officer to legal liability.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  5. Q5Which statement about trespass and the power to arrest is CORRECT?

    • ASecurity officers may arrest anyone they dislike on private property
    • BTrespass is always a felony and may be handled with maximum force
    • CA person who refuses to leave private property after being asked can be detained for trespass (PC 602)
    • DSecurity officers have no authority to deal with trespassers
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: C. A person who refuses to leave private property after being asked can be detained for trespass (PC 602)

    Remaining on private property after being asked to leave constitutes trespass under PC 602, giving security the authority to detain.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  6. Q6Before making a citizen's arrest, a security officer should consider which PRIMARY factor?

    • AWhether the suspect is likely to resist and whether the officer can win a fight
    • BWhether an actual crime has been or is being committed
    • CWhether the employer will approve the arrest afterward
    • DWhether witnesses are present to support the officer's account
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: B. Whether an actual crime has been or is being committed

    The threshold question is always whether a crime has actually occurred or is occurring; arrests without a lawful basis expose the officer to liability for false imprisonment.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  7. Q7A citizen's arrest for a misdemeanor is lawful in California only when:

    • AThe misdemeanor was committed or attempted in the arresting person's presence
    • BA supervisor authorized the arrest in advance
    • CThe misdemeanor caused financial loss over $500
    • DThe subject has a prior criminal history
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: A. The misdemeanor was committed or attempted in the arresting person's presence

    For misdemeanors, California law requires the offense to have been committed or attempted directly in the presence of the person making the arrest.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  8. Q8When informing a person they are under citizen's arrest, the security officer MUST:

    • AImmediately apply handcuffs before saying anything
    • BWait until police arrive to announce the arrest
    • CRemain silent to avoid legal complications
    • DClearly state that the person is being detained and briefly explain the reason
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: D. Clearly state that the person is being detained and briefly explain the reason

    A lawful arrest requires notification to the person being arrested so they understand their status and the reason for the detention.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  9. Q9A security officer detains a person based solely on the subject's race or appearance. This action is BEST described as:

    • AReasonable suspicion, which is legally sufficient
    • BAcceptable if the property owner instructs the officer to do so
    • CUnlawful discrimination and potentially false imprisonment
    • DProactive crime prevention within the officer's authority
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: C. Unlawful discrimination and potentially false imprisonment

    Detaining someone based solely on protected characteristics like race is both discriminatory and constitutes false imprisonment with no lawful basis.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

  10. Q10After completing a citizen's arrest, the security officer calls police. The subject suddenly says, 'I want to leave.' The officer should:

    • AImmediately release the person to avoid a lawsuit
    • BMaintain the lawful detention and wait for police to arrive
    • CAllow the person to leave but record their name
    • DPhysically block the exit without speaking to the subject
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: B. Maintain the lawful detention and wait for police to arrive

    Once a lawful citizen's arrest is made, the officer may maintain the detention until police arrive; releasing the subject could compromise the arrest.

    Topic: Power to Arrest

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